Tension gripped Nagaland on Sunday as 13 civilians were killed in a case of “mistaken identity” when a counter-insurgency operation went amiss in Tiru village of Mon district. A jawan was also killed in the incident.
Official sources said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief Gen MM Naravane have been briefed about the incident.
Here are the top ten updates in the story:
– The incident took place between Oting and Tiru villages when some daily-wage labourers were returning home in a pick-up van from a coal mine on Saturday evening when the incident occurred.
– The vehicle was allegedly fired upon by Army personnel, who were conducting an operation in the area after receiving inputs on the movement of militants of Yung Aung faction of proscribed outfit NSCN (K).
– An angry mob soon surrounded army vehicles at the spot and in the ensuing melee a soldier died and at least three vehicles were torched.
– An investigation is underway to ascertain whether the incident was a case of mistaken identity, the officer said. Mon shares a porous international border with Myanmar, where the Yung Aung faction of NSCN (K) is based.
– Indian Army in an official release said: “Based on credible intelligence of likely movement of insurgents, a specific operation was planned to be conducted in the area of Tiru, Mon District, Nagaland. The incident and its aftermath is deeply regretted. The cause of the unfortunate loss of lives is being investigated at the highest level and appropriate action will be taken as per the course of law. The security forces have suffered severe injuries in the incident including one soldier who succumbed to the injuries.”
– Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said: “The unfortunate incident leading to killing of civilians at Oting, Mon is highly condemnable. Condolences to the bereaved families & speedy recovery of those injured. High level SIT will investigate & justice delivered as per the law of the land. Appeal for peace from all sections.”
– Union home minister Amit Shah in a tweet said, “Anguished over an unfortunate incident in Nagaland’s Oting, Mon. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. A high-level SIT constituted by the State govt will thoroughly probe this incident to ensure justice to the bereaved families.”
– Nagaland Chief Minister, who was in Delhi, is on way back and is likely to hold a cabinet meeting, government sources said. Mobile internet and SMS services have been blocked in the Mon district to stop the circulation of rumours.
– Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief Gen MM Naravane have been briefed about the incident.
– Abu Mehta, advisor to the chief minister, said that two minutes’ silence will be observed and prayers will be held at Kisama for those killed in the incident.
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Source: News18